Timing chain stretch
usually 60,000–120,000 km · High risk
Signs: Rattle for 1–3 s on cold start; skipped timing risk
Fix: Replace chain, tensioner and guides now
€700–1,500
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111)
Petrol · 1,197 / 1,390 cm³ · 63–136 kW
30
model generations
4
known faults
2,029,000
new cars in the EU (2010–2025)
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
Fuel: Petrol. Timing drive: chain.
In our database this engine is fitted to 30 model generations, among them: Volkswagen Polo V (6R/6C), Volkswagen Golf VI, Škoda Fabia II, Volkswagen Golf Plus, Volkswagen Tiguan I, Audi A1 (8X) and 24 more.
The most expensive known risk is piston damage (1.4 TSI twincharger 140–185 hp): it usually appears at 60,000–160,000 km and costs €2,000–5,000 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,197 / 1,390 cm³ |
| Power | 63–136 kW |
| Years | 2005–2015 |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 5W-30 / 5W-40 · VW 504.00 / 502.00 · ~3.6–3.9 L · every 10,000 km |
| Engine codes | CBZA, CBZB, CBZC, CAXA, CAXC, CAXD, CMSA, CAVD, CAVE, CAVF, CAVG, CAVA, CAVB, CAVC, BMY, BLG, BWK, CTHA, CTHB, CTHD, CTHE, CTHF, CTHG, CNWA … |
Known engine faults
Faults that belong to the engine itself. They apply to every model with this engine, and each model has its own extra faults on its model page.
Oil consumption (piston rings)
usually 100,000–180,000 km · High risk
Signs: Topping up over 1 L per 1,500 km
Fix: Monitor; rings or engine repair
€800–3,000
Turbo wastegate wear
usually 80,000–150,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Loss of boost, rattle
Fix: Replace actuator or turbo
€300–1,200
Piston damage (1.4 TSI twincharger 140–185 hp)
usually 60,000–160,000 km · High risk
engine codes: BMY, BLG, BWK, CAVA, CAVB, CAVC
Signs: Misfire, low compression on one cylinder, oil use
Fix: Compression test; piston / engine repair
€2,000–5,000
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the Volkswagen Polo V (6R/6C) as an example. The app gives the exact plan for your car.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 10,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
Models with this engine
Model generations this engine is fitted to.
Audi A1 (8X) 2010–2018Audi A3 (8P) 2003–2012Audi Q3 (8U) 2011–2018SEAT Alhambra II 2010–2020SEAT Altea 2004–2015SEAT Ibiza IV 2008–2017SEAT León II 2005–2012SEAT Toledo III 2004–2009SEAT Toledo IV 2012–2019Škoda Fabia II 2007–2014Škoda Octavia II 2004–2013Škoda Rapid 2012–2019Škoda Roomster 2006–2015Škoda Superb II 2008–2015Škoda Yeti 2009–2017Volkswagen Beetle (A5) 2011–2019Volkswagen Caddy III 2004–2020Volkswagen Golf Plus 2005–2014Volkswagen Golf V 2003–2008Volkswagen Golf VI 2008–2012Volkswagen Jetta V 2005–2010Volkswagen Jetta VI 2010–2018Volkswagen Passat B6 2005–2010Volkswagen Passat B7 2010–2014Volkswagen Passat CC / CC 2008–2016Volkswagen Polo V (6R/6C) 2009–2017Volkswagen Scirocco III 2008–2017Volkswagen Sharan II 2010–2022Volkswagen Tiguan I 2007–2016Volkswagen Touran I 2003–2015
Common questions
Does the 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine take?
5W-30 / 5W-40 · VW 504.00 / 502.00 · ~3.6–3.9 L · every 10,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: piston damage (1.4 TSI twincharger 140–185 hp) (60,000–160,000 km, €2,000–5,000); oil consumption (piston rings) (100,000–180,000 km, €800–3,000); timing chain stretch (60,000–120,000 km, €700–1,500); turbo wastegate wear (80,000–150,000 km, €300–1,200).
Which cars have the 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine?
Volkswagen Polo V (6R/6C), Volkswagen Golf VI, Škoda Fabia II, Volkswagen Golf Plus, Volkswagen Tiguan I, Audi A1 (8X) and 24 more.
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026